Three witches begin the entire plot by giving Macbeth the prophecy that he will be made thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. Macbeth does not have faith in the prophecies until he is made thane of Cawdor after the war at the beginning of the play. Macbeth realizes that the prophecy may be true, and writes a letter to Lady Macbeth, his wife, telling her about the prophecies and how he may be made King of Scotland. Macbeth invites King Duncan to his castle, Inverness, with plans of murder. Lady Macbeth has no fear or consience about killing King Duncan, and convinces Macbeth to kill him, despite Macbeth's disagreements. The servants are drunk and pass out, so Macbeth and Lady Macbeth frame them for King Duncan's murder. Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Ireland, leaving Macbeth to take the position as King of Scotland. The witches' prophecy also contained information of Banquo's heirs taking the throne, so three murderers are sent by Macbeth to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Banquo is killed but Fleance escapes. Soon after, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost and begins to become frightened. Macbeth once again sees the witches, who tell him that he must beware of Macduff, that no man born of woman can harm him, and that he is only safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Macduff goes to England, and Macbeth, upon hearing that this has happened, has Macduff's family murdered. When Macduff discovers this, he and Malcolm bring an army to defeat Macbeth. Lady Macbeth has also begun to have her guilt catch up with her, and after many sleep walking episodes, kills herself. Macbeth, however, acts as is this was expected. Macbeth realizes that Birnam Wood is coming to Dunsinane, and is prepared to fight with the belief that no man born from woman can harm him. Soon enough Macduff tells Macbeth that he is not born of woman, and beheads Macbeth. At last, Macduff takes the role as King of Scotland.